Finland State Forest Campground
Rough
I was hoping to stop for the night but it was pretty rough. Mostly first come sorts of sites but there must have been a fire and tree cover is spotty. Welcome to OHV riders.
Horseshoe Lake Campground offers equestrian camping with trail riding opportunities 23 miles north of Cornucopia, making it one of the top horse campgrounds in the area. The campground accommodates tent campers, RV users, and those with horse trailers in spacious sites set in a quiet wooded area. Horse owners can access many miles of riding trails directly from the campground. The campground maintains clean facilities specifically designed for equestrians and their animals. Sites include space for trailers and basic amenities. This quiet campground in the middle of nowhere is particularly suited for horse owners who want direct trail access for multiple days of riding.
Trail access is the primary feature at Horseshoe Lake, with numerous riding paths that connect to the broader trail system throughout the Washburn area. The trails accommodate riders of various skill levels and provide scenic routes through the northwoods terrain. Horse trailer parking is available at each campsite, allowing convenient access for loading and unloading animals. Water access for horses is available at the nearby lake. The campground operates seasonally from May 13 through October 31, making it ideal for summer and fall trail riding. Campers should note that while the campground welcomes horses, it does not have permanent corrals, so portable containment systems are recommended for overnight stays.
"The campground is intended to be used as campers that ride horses can stay at. People who camp in tents or small trailers will also enjoy this quiet place."
"Nice little campground just off of highway 61 heading up the north shore. We were able to find a walk in campsite on a Friday night which was nice. Bathrooms were in decent condition. "
"This is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC."
I was hoping to stop for the night but it was pretty rough. Mostly first come sorts of sites but there must have been a fire and tree cover is spotty. Welcome to OHV riders.
Right now the campground looks a little worse for wear. They did extreme tree clearing do to moth damage. The cons: ATV noise, the tree clearing. Paying for the site can be confusing. I paid at tettegouche, QR code didn’t work and yodel didn’t work either. Pros: close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche.
On the outskirts of Finland, along the Baptism River, in the Finland National Forest. Just a few miles north of Eckbeck Campground, off of MN 1 & County Rd 6. Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites. Vault toilets. Trash bins. Some privacy between sites. I would recommend staying here overnight if the nearby state parks are full. I do not recommend staying here for peace & quiet. Noise from ATVs, a few with modified mufflers. Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs. What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site on the night of Oct 8, 2021. I had my own drunken moments at parties, but their behavior was pathetic. Their loud voices carried throughout the campground, including some loud f-bombs. Vault toilets were just okay; not particularly clean but usable. IMO, $17 fee is too high for this particular campground. 4 bars T-Mobile.
This is a quiet campground in the middle of nowhere. The campground is intended to be used as campers that ride horses can stay at. People who camp in tents or small trailers will also enjoy this quiet place. There are many miles of trails that can be ridden on horseback. It is a very clean campground especially if you want a quiet place. Also spacious campsites.
This campsite is first come, first serve which is great for people who are last minute like me 😊 I go up the North Shore quite often and this was my first time going to this campsite. It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big. I’d most definitely visit again!
This is a state forest campground high on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, just south of the Wolf Ridge ELC. It has alot of overflow campers from Tettegouche in the summer, but is also a destination for folks who want to fish on the Baptism River or visit Wolf Ridge. It is in a bit quieter and off the beaten path than nearby Eckbeck campground, but it is much larger so it gets busier and noisier in peak season. It also is a campground of choice for folks interested in using the nearby state forest ATV trails, and apparently there have been some security issues related to ATVers here so video cameras are in use here for security as it is an unstaffed campground with occasional visits from state forest rangers. The campsites are large and spacious and have good fire grills and picnic tables, but the facilities are outhouses so more geared toward primitive or self sufficient camping. In summer, the business of the campground is not appealing; in winter there are few campers so I would be concerned about security issues, plus being at higher elevation there is a lot more snow up here so winter campers should be prepared!
Impeccable campground. Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful! It was the perfect place to stay while we tripped the North Scenic Route.
We have camped as a group or shown on this outing, alone in winter! This campground never disappoints. The reason why we enjoy it so much is because it is can you get a located near some of the best hiking trails, climbing, and scenic vistas north of Duluth. We camp here at least 2-3 times a year if not more. At night you hear the Baltism River as you gently fall asleep.. we have an exped duo mattress and sleep like babies!
This is likely my favorite campground in the state. There are minimal amenities (pit toilets and I can't remember if there is a spigot), but the location is wonderful, the sites are mostly private and wooded, and the Baptism River runs right through. You are close to excellent climbing, hiking, fishing, and the Finland Co-op. Less crowded than the north shore state parks too!
Horseshoe Lake Campground serves as a specialized destination for equestrian camping near Cornucopia, Wisconsin, located approximately 23 miles north in the Washburn area. This primitive campground sits within a forested section of Bayfield County with sandy soils typical of the region. The campground operates seasonally, remaining open from mid-May through October 31, when weather conditions are most favorable for trail riding activities.
Ride the backcountry network: The trails connecting to Finland State Forest Campground offer additional riding options within reasonable trailering distance. "This campsite is right near The Baptism River... It was very clean, very wooded and the campsites were nice and big," notes Adriana E., highlighting the surrounding natural features that attract equestrians.
Stream access: The Baptism River provides water access not far from camping areas. According to Susan H., "At night you hear the Baltism River as you gently fall asleep," making it ideal for both horses and campers seeking natural water sources during multi-day rides.
Seasonal considerations: Fall months offer some of the best riding conditions. Lauren M. mentions, "Close to climbing, some really great state parks, SHT trail, fishing. Quieter than tettegouche." The surrounding trail systems showcase autumn colors during September and October.
Privacy between sites: South Egge Lake Camping represents another nearby option with sufficient space between camping units. The wider spacing allows equestrians to maintain comfortable distances for their animals during overnight stays.
Rustic amenities: The basic facilities appeal to those seeking primitive camping experiences. Al J. describes Horseshoe Lake as "a quiet campground in the middle of nowhere" with "spacious campsites," making it particularly appealing for those traveling with horses who need extra room.
Off-grid experience: The lack of cellular connectivity in many areas creates a true wilderness experience. "Impeccable campground. Primitive, so no electricity. Clean, secluded, and beautiful!" reports Ber M., highlighting the unplugged nature of camping in this region.
Trailer considerations: The access roads to Finland State Forest Campground require careful navigation with horse trailers. Fred S. notes, "Really nice wooded sites, some can accommodate big rigs. Level sites." This information helps equestrians plan appropriate rigs for the terrain.
Self-sufficient camping: No permanent corrals exist at Horseshoe Lake, requiring equestrians to bring portable containment systems. Amy G. explains her experience at a nearby site: "Sites are in a sort of circle, but many are on a river/stream. Lots of trees!! It's a state forest campground. Fire ring, picnic table and lots of places to hang hammocks."
Seasonal conditions: Weather can significantly impact trail conditions. "They did extreme tree clearing due to moth damage," Lauren M. observes about recent forest management activities that have altered some trail experiences.
Noise considerations: Families seeking quiet should consider timing. According to Fred S., "What was really annoying was the noise from a bunch of drunk middle aged folks down at the group site... Their loud voices carried throughout the campground." Weekdays typically offer more tranquil experiences for families with horses.
Educational opportunities: Horseshoe Lake Campground provides natural learning environments for children. "Many miles of trails that can be ridden on horseback" mentions Al J., creating opportunities for teaching riding skills and nature appreciation simultaneously.
Bathroom facilities: Prepare for primitive restrooms throughout the region. As Spencer F. notes about nearby options, "Bathrooms were in decent condition," but most are basic vault toilets without running water or flush capabilities.
Generator regulations: RVers should note noise restrictions at regional campgrounds. Fred S. observes, "Since there are no electric hookups, there is some noise from generators for the big RVs," indicating the need for quiet generators if staying at these equestrian-focused facilities.
Site selection: RVers towing horse trailers need specific sites. Janet R. explains about a nearby option, "The campsites are large and spacious and have good fire grills and picnic tables, but the facilities are outhouses so more geared toward primitive or self sufficient camping." Arrive early to secure corner sites that accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cornucopia, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cornucopia, WI is Horseshoe Lake Campground with a 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cornucopia, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Cornucopia, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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